Rockingham council approves Baldivis war memorial upgrades despite concerns
Council voted 8-4 to upgrade power infrastructure at a war memorial designed for small, quiet services.
Councillors backed power upgrades at the Settlers Town Square memorial. Attendance has exceeded the intended 100-person capacity.
City staff recommended against the upgrades. City staff said the cost was too high for a space meant for small, quiet services.
The memorial was built after a 2019 resident petition. It was designed for annual Anzac Day services but has grown in use.
Installing power systems will cost about $20,000. Councillor Kelly Middlecoat said the upgrades would improve sound quality and how it works.
This would keep the site's respectful character.
- 8-4 in favour
- Council vote
- About 20,000 dollars
- Upgrade cost
- 100 people
- Designed capacity
- October 27
- Meeting date
Why it mattersThe memorial's popularity has exceeded its intended 100-person capacity. This raises questions about how to serve growing community use.
AustraliaIt reflects tensions in regional communities about how to balance quiet commemoration with practical capacity, as Baldivis grows as one of WA's fastest-developing areas.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 h ago
